In this week's instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, Mechanical Engineering graduate and entrepreneur Paul Mahon tells us about his journey from UL to becoming a founder and CEO of energy management company, Watt Footprint.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm Paul Mahon, and I'm from the small village of Coolderry in County Offaly. I started my education in Coolderry NS moving to St Brendan’s Community School in Birr before moving on to the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
Sports have always been a big part of my life, especially hurling and golf. These activities taught me discipline and determination, skills that have been really useful in my business career.
I've always had a knack for entrepreneurship, constantly looking for ways to develop new skills and seize opportunities. This entrepreneurial spirit led me to co-found Watt Footprint with my colleague Paul O’Reilly four and a half years ago, when I was 26. Our company focuses on innovative energy solutions, aiming to make a real difference in how businesses manage energy.
Why did you choose to study ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?
UL had a strong reputation for practical, industry-focused engineering courses and excellent co-op opportunities, which I felt would prepare me well for a career in energy and sustainability.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I appreciated the blend of theory and hands-on experience, especially through co-op placements with companies in the food and drink sectors, where I worked on energy efficiency projects.
Can you tell me about your Co-Op experience/work placement and your FYP/thesis?
I gained practical experience at Irish Distillers and the Carbery Group, focusing on reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.
My final year project dealt with optimizing energy use in industrial settings, directly aligned with my career interests.
What did you enjoy about UL? What is student life like here?
UL offers a vibrant campus life balanced with strong academic support. There are plenty of clubs and societies, and the community is welcoming and collaborative.
Were you a member of any clubs and societies? If so, tell us about your experience.
Yes, I was active in engineering societies, which helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills beyond academics.
How did UL support you throughout your studies?
The professors and mentors ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ were instrumental in guiding my academic and personal growth, encouraging me to think critically and professionally.
How did your studies prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
The course’s strong practical focus, combined with co-op placements, gave me real-world skills and confidence to tackle energy management challenges in industry.
Tell us about your own career journey so far.
After completing my studies, I spent several years working both in Ireland and internationally, collaborating with some of the largest energy consumers around the world.
My role focused on delivering and financing energy efficiency upgrades, which was an eye-opening experience. This journey inspired me to establish Watt Footprint in 2020. Our goal was to revolutionize how businesses visualize and control their energy usage and costs through a data-driven software-as-a-service (SaaS) model.
The progress of Watt Footprint over the past four and a half years has been remarkable. We've built one of the largest teams in our sector in Ireland, with a dedicated workforce of over 40 professionals spanning R&D, engineering, and support. Our reach extends beyond Ireland, with offices strategically located in the UK and the UAE, allowing us to serve a diverse client base.
On a personal note I completed a scaling valuation program in Harvard University in Boston which was amazing and built on my years ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and I am strong advocate for continued education as I look to begin an MBA later this year. This is something I have brought with me into my current business having established a smart energy training academy to support our team for continued learning.
I have also been lucky to have won many awards along the way including the One to Watch from the National Enterprise Awards. I have been nominated as Mullingar Businessperson of the Year last year along with many business awards with Watt Footprint.
Any particular highlights in terms of projects you’ve been involved in?
Developing our data-led energy management platform and securing €7 million in investment at the end of 2024 are key highlights for me.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I want to continue to develop the vision for Watt Footprint and grow our customer base both here and internationally in our offices in the UK and UAE.
We are also in the process of opening our centre of excellence here in Ireland which is a huge part of my vision offering unparalleled ability to interpret energy data and support our clients. I want to grow our reach into the US market and we are working to this currently.
What advice would you offer to students considering what to study at third level?
My advice for students considering what to study at third level is to choose something you’re passionate about that offers practical experience. Stay curious and be prepared for lifelong learning.
Are there any lessons or insights you wish you had known when starting your career?
Don’t be afraid to take risks early on, and focus on building a strong, capable team. Ambition paired with solid foundations is key.
Anything else you would like to say that I didn’t ask you about?
I’m grateful for the journey and excited to contribute to tackling climate change through engineering and innovation. For anyone interested in sustainability, it’s a rewarding and impactful career path.